5 Keys to a lower handicap

Having trouble achieving a mental breakthrough? Try playing forward one set of tees, in order to alter your comfort zone and lower your scores. Playing a shorter course will instill a “go-for-par” or birdie mindset that will stick with you when you return to your accustomed tees. If you can’t score any better from the forward tees, consider it a message that you need extra work on your short game!

2. Play like you mean it

If you’re going to take the time to play, do it seriously and focus on each shot. Never make a careless swing during a serious round! Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t have fun – it just means you should turn up the focus a notch. Use the driving range for working on technical skills, and the golf course for focusing on the real target: lowering your score.

3. Use proper equipment

I’m not saying you should spend thousands of dollars on equipment. But if you’re using an older set that isn’t fitted properly, you may be needlessly holding yourself back.
Getting custom fitted is easy and painless with free, web-based fitting tools or just contact your local CPGA Professional.

4. Put more focus on the short game

Chipping and putting account for more than half the strokes in a typical golfer’s game. Consequently, you should devote most of your practice to your short game. I like to use a football analogy here: It’s great to be able to advance to the two-yard line, but it won’t mean a thing if you can’t make it into the end zone!

5. Write it down

It’s easier to improve if you can document your hits and misses. Where do you hit good shots, and where do you hit poor ones? Did you hit right, left, or on top? How many putts of less than five feet do you miss? Keep a journal and consult it periodically to unearth patterns and discover areas that need work.